Chapter 3: Snapshots in Time

On the eve of the one year anniversary of the Cell Games, Erasa came to the Satan Mansion in the middle of Orange City. After Videl greeted her friend at the front door, they went up to her room and sat down on a couple of bean bag chairs.

"So Videl, are you going to the ceremony tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll be there for Dad to cut the ribbon and give his two or three minute speech. After that I think I'll just head to the gym and train some more."

"But Videl, then you would miss all the fun festivities afterwards. It's going to be like a carnival. Come on, the city is being renamed to celebrate the one year anniversary."

"Erasa, I just started training a couple of month ago. My Mom helped people by being a doctor. My Dad saved the world. The least I can do is be capable of helping people too. I can't have a job like Mom had yet, but I can use martial arts to help those around me. I won't save the world, but I can still help people."

"Videl you can always find time to train. You've been training heavily for two months. A little break won't hurt."

After some silence Erasa added, "At least just participate in the festivities with me. WE are best friends. Orange City or Satan City, we should still have fun together. It is going to be like a carnival, so we might as well enjoy ourselves and party."

A smile graced her face as Videl replied, "Why not? Let's make sure to have loads of fun tomorrow."

"Now that's what I'm talking about Videl."


Later that year, near the end of fall, Gohan walked into the Chazke Village General Store. "Hi Mr. Lao, I've brought the quarterly payment for you."

"Oh Gohan, welcome back. How's your mother doing?"

"She's doing well. She just put Goten down for a nap before I flew here. When the little guy is awake he is a bundle of energy."

"Good to hear. Would you mind giving me a hand with the firewood? Winter's almost here and it would be helpful to stock up before any winter storms pop up."

"I'd be happy to give you a hand. I'll head out back and chop it up now. It'll take no time at all."

"Don't forget the axe," Mr. Lao replied. This comment made Gohan crack a bigger smile. Both of them knew Gohan didn't need one, but it was their joke for Mr. Lao to always remind him to use an axe.


RING! RING!

"Briefs residence, Bulma speaking."

"Hi Bulma, it's Chi-Chi."

"Hi Chi-Chi. How are the boys and you holding up?"

"I'm doing fine and Goten just keeps growing so fast. I'm not really sure any more about Gohan."

"What do you mean Chi-Chi? He was over here last week to take Trunks for the weekend so Vegeta and I could have some alone time. Gohan seemed to be his usually cheerful, polite self. Thanks for watching Trunks that weekend by the way."

"Watching Trunks wasn't a problem at all Bulma. My concern with Gohan is more about an observation I've had."

"What observation?"

"Well, for about that first month after the Cell Games, Gohan was still juggling to balance his training and studies. After that first month, Gohan hasn't trained. When Goku was here, I had to make sure Gohan wouldn't become a muscle bound thug without a brain. I never liked him fighting and never wanted him to start training. The training he eventually got did help him to be more disciplined and be able to help around the house more, so I've warmed up to it a little. Now between helping me with Goten and taking care of his studies, Gohan doesn't get any exercise. Having trained as a martial artist myself, I don't want to see him give it up completely. Especially since Gohan has gotten so good at it."

"Well Chi-Chi, just tell Gohan you want him to get some more exercise. You're smart enough to figure that one out by yourself, so what's really bothering you about Gohan not training?"

Chi-Chi exhaled. "He's still having those nightmares about the Cell Games. They are not every night anymore, but they're still frequent. They got really bad around the anniversary of the Cell Games, but he seems to be having less of them lately. I figured training might help him address his feelings about what happened, but frankly I'm not strong enough to help him train."

"So did you want me to ask Vegeta? He has gotten a little softer after he finished that strange brooding he was doing after the Cell Games."

"No, I've noticed Vegeta is different but he can get too focused on training. I was actually wondering if you knew how I could get in touch with Piccolo. I remember that during those three years before the androids came, he was very tough on Gohan during the training. Outside training, Piccolo interactions with us showed me how much he had changed since he tried to kill Goku at that World Martial Arts Tournament. I think Piccolo would help Gohan train, but not get so focused on training that Gohan would fall behind in his studies."

"I think you would be better off talking to Krillin. He should be able to get a hold of Piccolo easier than I would. Krillin could let Piccolo know that you want to see him."

"I'll do that. I better get off now. Gohan should be back soon from helping Mr. Lao. Thanks Bulma."

"You're welcome Chi-Chi. We mothers of demisaiyans need to stick together."

"Right, goodnight Bulma."

"Goodnight Chi-Chi."


"Three first place trophies in nine months. You're really racking up the tournament victories aren't you Videl?"

"It's not that big of a deal Sharpner. I'm only winning tournaments. It's not like I'm actually helping people."

"But it's still pretty sweet Videl. At the least, you could say you're happy that you've won three straight city youth martial arts tournaments," replied Sharpner.

After some awkward silence, Erasa spoke up. "Hey Videl, I saw the police force was starting some junior officer program."

"When did you hear that Erasa?" asked Sharpner.

"It was in the paper this morning," stated Videl.

"Are you going to sign up Videl?" inquired Erasa.

"Of course I am. The paper said the first meeting is next week."

"What do you think they'll have you do?" Sharpner asked.

"I don't know, but I'll make the most of it. There is no way I'm giving this less than my all."


Krillin walked up the path from the Son Residence leading into the forest of Mt. Paozu. After walking for a few yards on the trail that Gohan had been making recently, Krillin came to a small shrine Gohan had also built. Wow, Gohan really did an amazing job on this thought Krillin.

His eyes wandered over the square stone table under the shrine's roof. In the middle of the table, a picture of Goku with his hand behind his head stood within a decorative wooden frame. Laying on the table in front of the picture was a replica of the Nyobi. On each side of Goku's picture, candles had been placed. In front of the table, on the ground, a stand with incense sticks had been left.

In staring at the memorial, Krillin hadn't noticed Gohan walking up behind him.

"Hey Krillin," Gohan said cheerfully.

After almost jumping out of his skin, Krillin replied. "Oh, hi Gohan. I brought the Turtle Hermit Gi you asked for."

"Thanks," Gohan replied as Krillin handed him the gi.

"Gohan placed the folded gi underneath the Nyobi replica. The staff rested on the fabric just below the turtle emblem, not covering any part of the insignia.

"When Gohan finished placing the gi, Krillin asked, "So when do you plan on bringing Goten here?"

"I plan on bringing him here for his fourth birthday next week. He asked me the other day what a dad is. Goten said Trunks has one, so he wanted to know what a dad is. I figured now is the time for him to learn more about Dad."

Watching the emotions playing on Gohan's face, Krillin responded, "Sounds like a great birthday gift to me." Krillin then started to walk away. Before he took to the sky, he said, "Well I'll see you later. I have to meet someone later today."

"Going on another date with Eighteen?" Gohan replied with a smirk.

Stopping, Krillin turned his head around and said, "One of these days Gohan. You're going to fall for someone. Remember payback is cruel." With that, Krillin flew off.


"I can't believe the police gave you a pager. That is really awesome Videl."

"I know what you're thinking Erasa. I don't think it will go off that often when we're in school."

"Videl it's our sophomore year. Your dad's been famous for saving the Earth for over five years now. Plus, last year after you quit competing in junior martial arts tournaments to help out more with the police, crime has gone down in Satan City. They might buzz you more than you think. I mean you get to get out of class for some exciting…"

"Erasa you're starting to ramble," Sharpner interjected as he walked up to the picnic table in the park the girls were talking at.

"Hey Sharpner," Videl greeted nonchalantly.

"What's eating at you today? You're usually excited when it comes to this police stuff," he replied.

"Don't worry about it," Videl responded. She then grabbed her backpack and starting walking towards Orange Star High School.

Erasa walked up to Sharpner and said, "I think it's been a rough week for her."

"What happened? Videl is usually a little down this time of year since the anniversary of her mother dying is coming up. This is a little more than usual though."

"Aside from the anniversary, her dad seems to have a new squeeze. Plus there is what happened with Shero."

"Shero? I thought Videl was starting to open up to him. He's been trying to get her to go on a date with him for about four months now."

"She overheard Shero after school yesterday talking with his buddies. He basically only wanted to be her boyfriend for the fame and fortune status. The interested nice guy persona was only an act to get her to like him."

Shaking his head Sharpner replied, "Videl sure has had terrible luck in finding new friends, let alone something like a boyfriend since the Cell Games."

"Don't be so pessimistic Sharpner. If I have anything to do with it, Videl is going to find her special someone. Even if I have to drag the guy to her."

"You as a matchmaker? Now I'm scared."

"Shut-up or I'll make you help."

"Whatever. Come on, we're going to be late for class. Sometimes I wonder why I listen to your match making dreams so much."

"Because you love me and care about Videl."

"We've only been dating for a month now. Don't get carried away with the love stuff."

Erasa just shot Sharpner a cute smirk and started walking to class. As the couple walked to the school Erasa said, "The least we can do is try and help our friend. It's not like she's just going to run into someone at random."